Clarifying some popular misconceptions about GPS tracking

Jan 01, 1970

While it may not be super obvious, these little smart devices called GPS trackers have an impact on every person in their day to day. Thanks to their many functions, GPS trackers can help with keeping track of fleets, they can track your home deliveries, telling you exactly how many more minutes of staying hungry got to be endured, and keep personal belongings safe due to their integrated anti theft functionalities.

Despite the fact that they get used in many services, there are still quite a few misconceptions that float around about the topic of GPS tracking. That's kind of understandable, as people don't really think to investigate these silent little heroes. We will aim to tackle some of the more popular GPS tracking misconceptions out there in order to provide a more updated and modern perspective on what is really true and why that is the case.

GPS-tracking is only for nerds or big companies

Many think that GPS tracking is only meant to be used by people who are really into tech or big corporations that want to collect a bunch of data on their daily jobs. Actually, this is not so. Over the years, GPS tracking technology has moved away from catering to only highly tech oriented individuals - today it is meant for everyone. While the former ideas may have been somewhat true, today, GPS devices are a lot more accessible and useful for your normal, average user, including families, security conscious individuals, pet owners, and more.

Whether you are a little family business seeking to optimize and save on unnecessary costs or a parent looking to monitor your teenager's driving habits for safety reasons - modern GPS applications are much more practical than one would think, covering a wide range of cases. For example, do you ever catch yourself worrying about where your family members are at any given time? If yes – surprise! You qualify as a daily GPS user. There are some free apps that use GPS technology to give you accurate info on where your loved ones are 24/7. Best of all - needing no more than a smartphone on both ends.

GPS-tracking isn't morally right

Another common myth is that GPS devices go beyond what is morally right because they get into touchy privacy territory. Well, let's clarify that. What is not considered is that the use of GPS technology is now quite well overseen by law. There are guidelines that tell companies what they can and can't do when it comes to consent and the allowed use of information – meaning that violations will get them in big trouble and lead to unsavory legal issues. This makes sure that companies don't get too naughty and start using private information for bad purposes. If you keep an eye out, you will notice that any GPS app will ask you if you consent to their terms. If you don't, then there's no reason to use the app! When the legal terms of the government are respected, then GPS technology is actually a good thing - it can help to make the world a safer place through tracking, ensuring that your car is safe and tracked if it's stolen, and lot's more.

GPS-tracking is only for the rich

Some people still believe that using GPS trackers is way expensive, yet this is a load of nonsense! If you take a look at Amazon to check out the latest trackers, you will see that their prices are indeed very affordable. They go as low as $20, meaning that there isn't much of an entry barrier. Yes, there are super special one's for professional purposes that will cost an arm and a leg, but one should understand that that's not needed for a common person. Cheap trackers even have a lot of functions because technology has come very far in those areas. You will find that affordable GPS trackers even have anti-theft functions, geofencing, real-time alerts, and a whole lot more.

A complete hardware and software package can be had for what one nice coffee would cost you - $7 per month. It is worth keeping in mind that GPS trackers actually give you lots of value. Just imagine how peaceful you'll sleep knowing your car is safeguarded and tracked. The gained serenity is invaluable when you come to think of it. For companies that deal with any kind of deliveries, trackers will also help cut down lots of costs because they will make optimizing deliveries and fuel costs simple. In the end, trackers will save you a lot of money if you are involved in a business that does lots of driving. Give it a few months, and the tracker pays for itself.

GPS-trackers need lots of know how to use

As mentioned, the times have changed - GPS tracking devices do not require you to be very knowledgeable in technological stuff. Today GPS units are meant to be as simple to use as possible, both for the hardware side of things, as well as the software that comes with your device. Honestly, hooking up a tracker will take you no more than ten minutes. Modern GPS trackers are most commonly plug and play devices that effortlessly sync with your smartphone, and that is pretty much all that's needed.

Starting to use a GPS tracking device is as simple as pressing the power "On" button on your product, registering an account on the provider's website, and downloading the outlined app. Depending on the specific device, you could need to connect it to your car's battery, but that's as complicated as it'll be for most GPS devices. GPS systems have come to a point where it's an easy experience, yet the functionality has grown to encompass lots of useful features.

GPS-trackers can easily be intercepted

Some people think that GPS trackers can't withstand ill intended tampering and signal blockages. While more simple devices were easier to manipulate, modern GPS units have come a long way in their ability to overcome any meddlings. Today's trackers have features that are tailored to counteract any attempts of jamming coming its way, so they work regardless of any interception attempts. 

How is that so? Well, there are encryption based protocols and other security measures in the GPS systems at work, so that their signals are protected from any malicious intents. Encryption essentially packs information into a coded, hidden format, with it getting unpacked at its final destination — think of it like a secret language that only the two sources understand. These make sure that the data of users is safely couched and secure from hackers.

The misconceptions around GPS systems have been making their rounds for a while, yet they have become quite baseless in today's technological context. They rose concerning early GPS technology, but oh, how the times have changed! We are lucky that new GPS technology is capable, affordable, easy to use, and has security features to counteract all interception attempts. The overall progress guarantees increased connectedness, safeness, and efficient delivery services, as well as fortified security protocols. As GPS tech is developing further at a rapid tempo, we sure are in for some exciting leaps ahead, and you can bet that we'll inform you of the latest news coming up!